Damper for fireplaces



Dec. 15, 1931. c, QHRAN 1,837,061

DAMPER FOR FiREPLACES Filed March 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTOR HEY Dec. 15, 1931. c. OHRAN 1,837,061

DAMPER FOR FIREPLACES Filed March 12, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 WM if A 2"? C'fiariefflfirargm m ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 15, 1931 UNITED STATES.

DAMPER ron rrnnrr'acns Application filed March 12,1930. Serial No. 435,248.

The present invention relates to dampers for closing chimney flues above fireplaces, and for regulating the draft thereof.

One of the chief characteristics of the pres- .5 ent invention resides in the provision of a convenient andreadily accessible means for adjusting and positively retaining a fireplace damper at any desired degree of angular opening, and for closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use.

Another object of importance resides in the provision of av regulating device for the damper, which latter is adapted to close by gravity, but which will operate freely without clogging, and one which provides a pocket or air space to break up the downward draft of cold air in the chimney, the entire construction being very simple and inexpensive to make and install.

Other objects and advantages will appear when the following detail description is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, the invention residing in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this application like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and where- 1n Figure 1 is a fragmentary View through a fireplace and chimney showing one position of the damper and the operating means therefor. t

Figure 2 is a fragmentary detail view of the damper and supporting frame therefor.

Figure 3 is a view in elevation of the damper and its supporting means.

Figure 4 is a top plan view.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the end plates of the damper supporting frame.

Figure 6 is adetail view of the ratchet guide.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates generally the flue of an ordinary fireplace chimney in which the device forming the subject matter of the present invention is adapted to be installed for regulating the draft and closing the chimney when the fireplace is not in use.

bar 13 and a base for The damper is supported upon a suitable frame-like structure including a pair of spaced end plates 10 of a construction clearly illustrated in Figure 5, wherein it will be noted that each end plate is substantially triangular inform, and rises from one edge of a base 11. The upper end of each plate is offset to provide an apertured lug 12 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. The

base 11 projects beyond the edges of the plate 10 and the projections are provided with openings to accommodate rivets or other suitable fastening elements as illustrated. The

end, plates 10 are connected by a rear connecting bar 13, and by spaced upper and lower angle bars 14 and 15 respectively. These bars are suitably connected with the bridge work of the chimney or flue as clearly illustrated in Figure 1, while the rear connecting the base of the end plates provide the damper 16 to rest upon.

The damper 16 is of the proper size and shape to accomplish the desired results, and

is providedwith two lungs 1-7 projecting from eithenside adjacent the bottom, and these lugs repose upon the end plates and rear bar, which parts are so constructed and arranged to provide a slot for the reception of these lugs and thereby support the damper for pivotal movemen The adjusted position of the damper is maintained or controlled by a ratchet arm 17' which is pivotally connected with the upper angle bar 14, projecting rearwardly therefrom as illustrated in Figure 1. This ratchet arm has its lower edge notched at spaced points to receive and accommodate the adjacent edge of the damper 16, and thereby hold the damper fixed in any of its given adjusted positions. Carried by the damper 16 and projecting above the upper edge of the latter is a curved arm 18 having its upper end offset and longitudinally slotted as at 19, and which arm constitutes a guide which slidably receives or accommodates the ratchet arm 17 The ratchet arm is also provided with a stop lug 20 at its outer end which prevents casual separation of the ratchet. and the guide as will be readily understood.

The operation of the damper is controlled PATENT OFFICE.

by a suitable lever 21, the upper end of which is connected with the damper by means of a rod 22, the entire construction being such that the damper can be varied easily and conveniently adjusted, to occupy any one of a different number of positions, and effectively held in its given position for the purpose intended. v

lVhile it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to what is herein illustrated and described, and that such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

What I claim is The combination with a chimney flue of a fireplace, of a damper operating therein, a supporting frame therefore including spaced parallel bars, substantially triangular shaped end plates rising therefrom, each plate including a base bar extending beyond the sides of the plate and beneath said parallel bars, means for connecting said bars together, an additional bar supported by the upper end of said end plate, pintles projecting from the opposite edges of the damper and pivoted between the end plates and the adjacent bar of the frame, a ratchet arm projecting from the upper bar of the frame supported by the end plates, and having spaced notches adapted to singly receive the adjacent edge of the damper, means, for operating the damper, a slotted guide carried by the damper and slid ably arranged on the ratchet arm, and a stop lug formed on the outer end of the ratchet arm for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CHARLES OHRAN. 

